ARCHERY: Simpson enjoys double delight (From Oxford Mail)

ARCHERY: Simpson enjoys double delight

3:11pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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Oxfordshire's Nichola Simpson had two reasons to celebrate after striking gold and a bronze at a test event in India ahead of the Commonwealth Games later this year.

She helped England win team gold on Thursday, before yesterday winning an individual bronze in the third-place play-off against Scotland’s Tracey McGowan.

Simpson had lost to home favourite Gagandeep Kaur in the semi-finals.

The gold was won by Jersey’s Lucy O’Sullivan who beat Kaur in the final.

In the team event, Simpson combined with Andrea Gales and Nicky Hunt to beat Malaysia 219-214 in their semi-final and set up a final against the host nation.

The final was a cliffhanger. India were 111-109 up after two of the four ends, but England took the third end 59-57 to level up and the two teams tied at 54-54 to make the score 222-222.

The gold medal contest went to a three-arrow shoot-out.

Gales, Simpson and Hunt each hit a ten to seal victory against India, who shot eight, nine and eight.

After her bronze victory, Simpson said: “I was a bit disappointed with the semi-final.

“I was a bit nervous before it, which is unusual for me.

“I was really pleased to turn it around with the bronze medal. I redeeemed myself by shooting that much better.”

Simpson felt that competing would give her an advantage if she were selected for the Games.

“It’s been fantastic. I’ve really enjoyed it – everything about it has been great. I’m really pleased to have had the opportunity to come here.

“It’s given us a good insight into what to expect. I think it will give us an advantage.”

Around 100 archers from ten nations took part in the event at the Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi.